Larry Ellison becomes Kosmos investor to back new Davis Cup project

Indian Wells's BNP Paribas Open owner Larry Elisson announced that he has joined the Kosmos company as investor, in the attempt to change the Davis Cup format starting from 2019. Ellison wrote a statement, which was shared even by the FC Barcelona football star Gerard Piquè, who is part of the Kosmos investors group as well, on his Facebook page.

'I am very excited about the new format that the International Tennis Federation and KOSMOS have developed for Davis Cup, and am in full support of the plans that have been outlined for this historic competition', said Ellison.

'I readily embrace innovative ideas and opportunities which is why I am not only lending my written support, but will also become an investor in this competition. In addition, I am thrilled that the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, one of the premier tennis venues in the world, is being considered to host 18 National teams and their associations, in the new Davis Cup Finals event in 2021.' It would be really interesting and intriguing to see Indian Wells hosting not only the Masters 1000 and WTA Premier 5 event in March, but also the team competition in November.

It needs to remembered that the format has yet to be approved: next week the outcome will be official, two thirds of the majority from ITF members council are needed. Piquè said: 'I personally want to publicly welcome Mr.

Larry Ellison to this project, being an enormous privilege for us. We are very pleased and proud to join forces and have him financially backing our commitment for boosting and reinforcing the Davis Cup by BNFP Paribas. The agreement reassures the sustainability and ambition of our engagement together with the ITF and I know it will be welcomed as a positive announcement for the global tennis community.' ALSO READ: Alexander Zverev wants to win US Open, overcome Roger Federer in rankings